“The new system is expected to improve operations and customer convenience,” said Deb Wallace, Pierce County Public Works airport and ferry administrator. “We encourage riders to try out the new app, which allows users to manage their tickets right from their smartphone.”

Pierce County staff will be onboard the ferry during runs from 4:45 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 26 and 3-6 p.m. July 27 to show riders how to use the new system. Staff will also be available from 9 a.m. to noon July 30 at the Anderson Island Elementary School, 13005 Camus Road.

The public can download the app starting July 26 by visiting their smartphone's app store and searching for "Pierce County Ferry Tickets." It will be available in the App store for Apple users and Google Play for Android users. Users will be able to set up an account, buy tickets for one or more trips, and view used and unused tickets. The ferry crew will scan tickets right on the rider’s phone.

Any single tickets and Value Passes purchased on the old system will expire on July 25 at midnight. Riders must request a refund on unused single tickets or an exchange for unused Value Pass rides by Sept. 2, 2016 at www.piercecountywa.org/ferryfeedback.

Switching to a new system was recommended in the recently-completed Waterborne Transportation Study, which looked at short-term and long-term strategies to support the needs of ferry riders and the ferry system.